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Global health officials recommend implementing higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to combat chronic diseases and bolster healthcare funding. The World Health Organization suggests a 50% price increase over the next decade, aiming to prevent millions of premature deaths and generate trillions in public revenue. These products contribute significantly to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The WHO emphasizes the effectiveness of health taxes in reducing consumption and funding healthcare, education, and social programs. Despite some challenges like cross-border shopping post-tax hikes, such measures have shown positive impacts in reducing smoking rates and children's sugar intake. These taxes could help lower-income countries offset reduced aid and strained healthcare systems worldwide.

Sultan of Pahang urges Malaysia to strengthen borders against drug trafficking and supports a nationwide ban on vaping. Emphasizing the need for stricter controls at entry points, he highlighted the key role of borders in curbing drug smuggling. Concerned about rising drug abuse among youths, he called for enhanced enforcement measures. The Sultan also backed Pahang's decision to ban vaping, citing health risks, with plans to formalize the ban through legislation. Noting drug smuggling through fishing vessels in east coast states, he emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. The Pahang State Government had previously announced the vape ban based on a fatwa.

The text describes the SNAC study focusing on developing nicotine educational messages for specific populations. Participants were recruited through Prodege's panel and assigned to different study conditions. Study 1 involved exposure to various messages with different presentation styles. Study 2 compared brief nicotine messages with and without curiosity-eliciting components. Measures included assessing nicotine false beliefs and perceived message effectiveness. Analysis involved ANOVAs for Study 1 and planned comparisons for Study 2. The aim was to understand the impact of different message types on participants' knowledge and perceptions related to nicotine.

BAT France welcomed the new AFNOR experimental standard XP V37-500, ensuring safety, quality, and transparency of nicotine pouches by setting strict guidelines. Developed with industry experts, it covers key areas like product composition (natural nicotine capped at 16.6 mg), manufacturing (GMP and traceability), toxicological evaluation, packaging (complying with European standards), and labeling (nicotine content, ingredients, allergens, warnings). Sébastien Charbonneau, BAT France's public affairs director, praised the standard as providing quality assurance and transparency for adult consumers in professional networks.

Vicky Unwin's warning against classifying ketamine as Class A stems from her daughter's fatal overdose. She advocates for legal regulation over criminalization of drugs. On the other hand, Dorset's PCC, David Sidwick, supports the move to Class A, citing a need for increased awareness and treatment resources. Ketamine misuse can lead to bladder damage, with a surge in usage among young adults. Parents like Unwin and Anne-Marie Cockburn advocate for harm reduction strategies and better drug education. Despite government concerns and potential reclassification, some feel more action is needed to address the growing drug issue among youth.

University of Queensland research reveals that youths with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes. Studies show a rise in underage vaping of cannabis compounds, with an alarming increase in synthetic cannabinoids use, posing health risks. Peer influence significantly impacts vaping trends, with disapproval from influential figures reducing likelihood of vaping. Social media plays a role in promoting vaping as a trendy lifestyle choice. More regulation, campaigns, and research are needed to address these concerning trends. Key findings include increased vaping of cannabis products and shifting social norms towards cigarette and e-cigarette use among American teens.

Human airway basal stem cells were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols with various flavors, showing donor-dependent responses. Different flavors had minimal impact on cell populations, with strawberry flavor causing increase in basal and ciliated cells. Donor heterogeneity was observed in responses to different flavors. Unflavored e-cig aerosols affected ciliary function without cell loss, altering ciliary beat frequency and ultrastructure. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed phosphorylation changes in pathways related to cilium organization, cadherin and actin binding, and Rho GTPase signaling. Dysregulation of these pathways may contribute to ciliary dysfunction caused by e-cig exposure.

The HSE warns against using six mislabeled vapes containing high levels of nicotine. Customers can return them to the store where purchased. Identified products are listed, with nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Retailers are urged to ensure compliance to prevent risks and legal consequences. Irish regulations prohibit vape sales to under-18s and propose further restrictions on vape products, including color and flavor limits. Concerns persist about vaping's impact on smoking rates, prompting ongoing policy reviews. The Public Health Bill aims to curb youth vaping. Legislation was passed to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Tobacco Free Ireland policy is being reviewed to achieve a tobacco-free country.

The text discusses a proposal for American prisons to sell safer smoking alternatives to inmates, aiming to improve public health, reduce contraband markets, and cut healthcare costs. Prohibited tobacco has led to high smoking rates among prisoners, and bans have failed to eliminate it. By allowing nicotine vapes in commissaries, health benefits and reduced healthcare expenses may result, aiding smoking cessation post-release. Despite concerns, specially designed vapes could be safe. Pricing is key, as overly expensive products could perpetuate smoking. The proposal requires careful execution, offering affordable, quality choices to inmates. Advocates stress the importance of empowering incarcerated individuals and addressing their health needs.

A leaked internal report from the European Commission reveals serious concerns about proposed major tobacco tax hikes across the EU. While the reforms aim to improve public health and raise revenue, the Commission’s own analysis warns of unintended and potentially harmful consequences. The leaked impact assessment, reported by Bild on 12 June 2025, outlines steep excise duty increases—139% on cigarettes, 258% on rolling tobacco, and 1,092% on cigars. Vaping and heated tobacco products would also be taxed for the first time at the EU level. Though expected to generate €15.1 billion annually, the report raises doubts about the overall effectiveness and impact of the plan.